Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Prepare spaghetti noodles as directed on the package. When al dente, drain and set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the oil. Lightly season with a pinch of kosher salt and ground black pepper. Break into crumbles and brown well. Once well-browned, remove the meat from the skillet and set aside in a bowl, reserving the drippings in the pan. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the drippings, if needed, and return heat to medium-high. Add onion and shallot and cook until onion begins to sweat. Add garlic and mushrooms and cook until onion and mushrooms are tender.

Return the ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the seasonings (oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, garlic powder and bay leaf) and the tomato sauce and stir to combine. If too thick, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water to loosen. Once the mixture begins to simmer, reduce heat to medium and cover for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve over spaghetti noodles and garnish with a sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese. Add a slice of garlic bread, too!

Enjoy!